The 7 Best Craft Beer Bars In Birmingham, Alabama

A Birmingham, Alabama craft beer bar topped our list of the 50 Best Craft Beer Bars in the US. So, are you really that surprised to find out that some of the best craft beer bars in the entire state of Alabama are right at home in Birmingham?

The Gourmet Beer Bill passed ten years ago in Alabama, raising the legal limit of alcohol in beer to a whopping 13.9%. So, on top of being home to tasty craft beers, you’ll find that the best beer bars in Birmingham, Alabama serve them up super strong too. We’re not complaining.

Add in some quality Southern hospitality to the mix and it’s easy to see why even international travellers head to this beer-filled city to get their fix. Feeling thirsty? Check out our picks for the seven best craft beer bars in Birmingham, Alabama.

Good People Brewing’s atmosphere and outdoor patio space propel it to the top spot as one of the best craft beer bars in Birmingham, Alabama. From the industrial decor to the variety of quality brews, this space is great for those looking to try Alabama-brewed craft beer. We found this bar to be particularly great for travellers, as you can enjoy the taproom or tour the brewery.

Cahaba Brewing Company is famous for a few things, which makes it easy to see why locals even think it’s one of the best craft beer bars in Birmingham. First, they’re well-loved for giving back to the community. On Wednesdays they hold events with non-profits at their tap room. They’re also known for sourcing local ingredients to craft their Belgian yeast-based beers. Expect to sample everything from a tasty Lemon Drop-In to creamy oatmeal stouts.

Hop City is more of a bottle store than a proper bar, but they do serve over 60 beers on tap. With such an impressive draught list, it’s hard not to consider them one of the best craft beer bars in Birmingham. Simply put, this is a beer lover’s paradise. You could browse their bottle selection for hours and still not make it to the end of choices. And, their tap list? It showcases everything from a cinnamon, cocoa, chilli and coffee stout to your standard wedding cake porter.

Avondale Brewing Company is one of the most popular craft breweries in Birmingham. And, while we highly suggest checking out their brewery, it’s their unique Sour Room that you really can’t miss. It’s a tap room for funky and wild sour brews, the first of its kind in Alabama. They’ve got a total of 13 different beers on tap, ensuring there’s a flavour for every palate.

This trendy craft beer and cocktail bar is perhaps one of the trendiest spots on this list. Carrigan’s Public House is located on the historic Morris Avenue in Birmingham. The interior is industrial chic while the rooftop patio is definitely the spot to be on a warm day. Indulge in elevated pub fare as you sip on a variety of well-sourced craft beers. Their draught beers flow from a retro Land Rover. So, it doesn’t get much cooler than that.

Spending the afternoon at Ghost Train Brewing Co. is just plain fun. This upbeat brewery provides guests with a stellar patio on which to enjoy laid back vibes and tasty brews. If you’re visiting from out of town then it’s well worth stopping by this trendy brewery to sample some of the finest examples of quality Alabama craft beer. Their Kaleidoscope Kettle Sour is simply divine.

Equal parts elevated pizza joint and craft beer bar, Slice Stone Pizza & Brew has truly mastered the art of craft beer food pairings. They use locally-sourced ingredients to craft their irresistible pizza pies. Then, they present them on a menu where they pair each one with the perfect craft brew. If you’d like to try other tasty beers, however, they’ve got at least 15 on tap and plenty more in cans.

Elizabeth Thorn

Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube.